Final NXT Before TakeOver 36

            Malcolm Bivens is live on the mic in the center of the ring. He is flanked by 2 members of the Diamond Mine. Tyler Rust used to be a member of the Diamond Mine until he was released on August 6, 2021. An open challenger has been issued and Ilja Dragunov has answers the call. He will be facing Roderick Strong. The match starts with a feeling out process followed by some insane chest slaps back and forth. Ilja showcased unbridled intensity throughout the match. Roderick gave as good as he took. At one point he sent his opponent into the steel steps. This resulted in a determined and crimson faced Dragunov to eventually win the match.

            Next is Jessi Kamea and Robert Stone, accompanied by Franky Monet. Their opponents are Dexter Lumis and Indi Hartwell. I rooting for "Index". It was a little creepy watching them move in-sync. Monet gets involved and the ref orders her away from ringside. The greatest part of the bout besides "Index" winning was when Stone launched himself over the top rope directly onto the floor. He missed Lumis by miles. He is the NXT version of Baron Corbin. One other thing worth noting was Indi proposing to Dexter and him saying "yes". Are they exclusively dating or engaged? I don't care. Just happy to be along for the ride.

            The NXT BreakOut Tournament is next with Duke Hudson and Carmelo Hayes set to compete. I personally want Hudson to win. He has the size and power advantage. Hayes, on the other hand, is a quick high flyer. .With a series of high impact offences, Carmelo Hayes has punched his way to the finals. He will now meet Odyssey Jones in the final round. I don't know who WWE creative will choose to win. On one side of the coin, high flyers are always an asset. On the other side, men in the vein of Mark Henry and Keith Lee don't come around often. 

            The main event of the evening is a tag team championship match between Imperium and MSK. MSK is an adaptable team that have been able to pick up wins over Ciampa and Thatcher, Grizzled Young Veterans and Legado Del Fantasma. The odds have this match in their favor. If only I were in Vegas, I would have hit big. MSK retain their gold.

            Speaking of Vegas, later tonight is SummerSlam live from Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, a suburb of Las Vegas. I will be posting my predictions later today. Until then, here are my predictions for NXT TakeOver 36 this Sunday, August 22, 2021.

• Karrion Kross v. Samoa Joe (championship): Giving the win to Joe because I want Kross on the main roster
  
  
  
• Walter v. Ilja Dragunov: Based on what I saw in his match against Strong, I'm giving Ilja the win.
• Raquel Gonzalez v. Dakota Kai (championship): Raquel needs a vacation so I give the win to Kai.         
• Adam Cole v. Kyle O'Reily: This is definitely going 3 falls and I'm giving the win to O'Reily. He needs to be the new face of NXT the way Cole once was. I also think Adam is very similiar to a younger Shawn Michaels and would be an asset to the main roster. 
• LA Knight v. Cameron Grimes: Grimes will win to correct the wrong that was committed when Knight won it the first time around.     

#BringBackBraun            

The Final Raw before SummerSlam

            It's the last Monday Night Raw before SummerSlam so let's get right to the action.

            Live from San Antonio, TX, The Viper, Randy Orton kicks off the show. As he is reminding us why he works best alone and what he's going to do to Omos, Matt Riddle's music hits. Matt wants to bring back RK-Bro. However, before Randy can answer, AJ Styles interrupts. He doesn't want Omos to have all the fun, so he will square off against Riddle in the first match of the evening. 

            Styles comes out hot when the bell rings. He has control for the first half of the match. But then, a triangle submission move by Riddle sends his opponent out of the ring, turning the tide in his favor. After the commercial break, AJ has Matt in a calf crusher but the hold is broken when Riddle gets his hand on the bottom rope. The damage done to the left leg of Riddle allowed Styles to execute the Styles Clash and pick up the win.   

            Before we get to Randy Orton v. Omos, it will be Nikki Cross in a match against Rhea Ripley. Before the bout can even begin, Charlotte Flair makes her way down to the commentary table. With the bell now rung, Nikki takes control. But in the end, a Rip Tide would pick up the win for Rhea. This Saturday, I will be curious to see if Flair will continue her undefeated streak at SummerSlam.

            Now for my favorite storyline. It will be Drew McIntyre in a two on one handicap match against Veer and Shanky. McIntyre wins the match which means Veer and Shanky will be barred from ringside this Saturday at SummerSlam as McIntyre is scheduled to feud with Mahal. While I loved the match. What annoyed me was the color commentators repeatedly saying that Shanky is over 7 feet tall. For the record, Drew is 6'5" and Shanky is 6'9". 

            The former ECW champ, John Morrison, is in the ring debuting Moist TV. His first guest, The Miz, is quickly silenced by the appearance of Damien Priest. The truth final comes out that The Miz has been medically cleared for weeks. As a result of this revelation, he will be going one on one with Priest.

            The United States Champion, Sheamus, joins the announce team to view this fight up close. Miz, in his Gucci loafers, is competing with a seemingly trick knee. Priest predictably wins. What was equally entertaining was John Morrison abandoning The Miz and Damien using Sheamus' signature move to pick up the W. Because I have been saying for months that Priest would be a main roster champ, I firmly believe it will happen this weekend. Let's us also not forget that Sheamus recently became engaged and is going to need some time off for a wedding and a honeymoon. 

            Up next, the time has finally arrived for Randy Orton to meet Omos in the squared circle. I immediately noticed just how small the ref is compared to these two superstars. 

            Randy immediately goes for the RKO but Omos just pushes him away. The giant dominates and was on track to win when AJ Styles interferes forcing the ref to call for the bell. The destruction would continue as the tag team champs take it to Randy in a two on one beatdown. Here comes Riddle to the rescue. He runs down the ramp straight pass AJ and immediately drop kicks Omos. Now Randy and Matt are in the center of the ring. And with a few words of respect, it is official, RK-Bro is a team again! Now, we will see RK-Bro vying for the tag belts this Saturday at SummerSlam.

            The story of Elias continues as we see a Jeffrey Sciullo put a tombstone on the embers of his burnt guitar. The tombstone reads Elias 2017-2021. Looking forward to his re-invention.

            The final segment of the evening is a face to face between Bobby Lashley and Bill Goldberg. Before he gets to the champ, the Hall of Famer addresses his son, Gage. However, an impatient Lashley and MVP  halt the speech. Goldberg has heard enough and spears the champion. I love Goldberg. While my heart will be rooting for him, my gut says Bobby will retain. Many reputable sport outlets have reported that the Hall of Famer's current contract obligates him to two matches a year. Since Bill has already fought Drew McIntyre earlier this year in the ThunderDome, Lashley will win this Saturday. 

#BringBackBraun

SmackDown 8-13-21

            The buildup to SummerSlam this Saturday continues with John Cena in the ring. Yes, John, I do think Roman Reigns will beat the hell out of you at SummerSlam and he will WIN. The Head of the Table comes to the ring and answers the Professor of Thug-A-Nomics face to face. He tells the Marky Mark wannabe to give him something fresh and new. I cannot wait for this match to come and go so I can be rid of Cena. 

            The first match of the evening is for the Intercontinental Championship. The challenger King Nakamura will face the current champ Apollo Crews for the gold. I very much welcome Nakamura winning the belt, but I must admit that I am anxiously awaiting the day when Boogs and Azeez go at it. But on this night, both sidekicks would be sent out of the arena by the ref. The winning streak for Shinsuke continues as he becomes the new Intercontinental Champion. The WWE Universe joins Boogs and McAfee in celebration of the king.

            Next we have the Street Profits squaring up against the Alpha Academy. McAfee on color commentary referred to Otis as a nibble Clydesdale. Despite such praise, the Street Profits pick up the win.

            Seth Rollins is up next and I don't know what's more offensive, him or his suits. Does the company pay someone to re-purpose couch material from the 1970s? After a skewed video package, Seth vows to stomp Edge at SummerSlam this Saturday. 

            A second tag team match is on the card with the Mysterios facing Dolph Zigler and Robert Roode. Dominik is all set to hit the 619 when the Usos try to distract him on the big screen. It had little effect because Dom picks up the win for him and his father.

            Baron Corbin is in the ring still going on about his troubles. What I am noticing more than his plea for money from the WWE Universe, is the migrating stain on his mis-buttoned shirt. I also love the signs in the crowd. One sign said "Corbin stole my lunch money." Kevin Owens comes to the aid of Corbin by offering him $1000.00 if he can beat Owens in a match tonight.

            A stunner prior to the match has Baron starting behind the eight ball. He tried hard to win some money. But it would be KO who picks up the win. Now, Corbin can no longer ask for money from anyone. Backstage, we see him steal the Money in the Bank briefcase from Big E. Please don't tell me this is another Miz and Otis briefcase debacle.

            The contract signing between the champ Bianca Belair and her opponent Sasha Banks ends the evening. Contract signings never go well. What is going well is Belair's slightly upgraded hairstyle. She is still rocking a very long braid but now, instead of it being in s ponytail, it is cornrowed into a long braid.

            Sasha brings out two witnesses via Zelina Vega and Carmella. How are these two even remotely relevant in this storyline? Predictably, after the signing, chaos erupts and Bianca gets caught in a Banks Statement to end the show. I think Banks might take back the belt this Saturday. 

 

#BringBackBraun               

NXT 8-10-21

            Because Ember Moon is not medically cleared to compete, Dakota Kai will be squaring up against Sarray. The Warrior of the Sun, gave a great performance against Kai. However, it would not be enough to conquer Dakota Kai. Raquel Gonzalez ends the celebration and vows to destroy Kai at NXT TakeOver.

            NXT UK's Ilja Dragunov makes his appearance at NXT and has a few words regarding his feud with Walter. He proclaims that history will be made at NXT TakeOver. His declaration is short lived by the interruption of Pete Dunne. He accepts a challenge from Ilja to fight tonight. I am familiar with Dunne but not so much with Dragunov. I will be interested in seeing how this match plays out. 

            William Regal is in the ring flanked by security. Cole v. O'Reilly III is on the card for NXT TakeOver on Sunday, August 22,2021. This, in theory, is the match that settles the score once and for all. Each man is currently tied with one win each. This reminds me of the storyline between Gargano and Ciampa. 

            This upcoming match will be a 2 out of 3 falls match with each competitor choosing a stipulation. O'Reilly pick a clean cut pinfall or submission match. Cole, on the other hand, opts for a street fight. Now, if the match goes to a third fall, Mr. Regal will be lowering a steel cage. This is so going three rounds.

            Odyssey Jones is going up against Trey Baxter in the semi-final round of NXT's BreakOut Tournament. I want to see Baxter win so, hopefully, he will meet Duke Hudson in the final round. I was hoping the underdog had the creative ring awareness to counter the size, strength and speed of Jones. In the end, the crowd favorite of Odyssey Jones will be advancing to the final round. Baxter should not worry though, he is a future superstar. 

            The main event between Dragunov and Dunne is a joint manipulation masterpiece. While both men did damage to each other, Pete Dunne had enough left in the tank to pick up the win. It didn't hurt that Walter made an appearance. 

            After the match, Walter goes after his future opponent. And with a torpedo Moscow, Dragunov sends Walter a message while sending him out of the ring.

This is going to be a great weekend with SummerSlam on Saturday and NXT TakeOver on Sunday.

#BringBackBraun    

Raw 8-9-21

            The Viper is back!!! No sooner is Randy Orton welcoming the Orlando, FL audience to Monday Night Raw then the Original Bro comes down the ramp to join his mentor in the ring. The love fest is soon broken up by the tag team champions AJ Styles and Omos. AJ challenges Randy to match to see just who exactly who runs Raw. Orton accepts after 7 weeks on his couch listening to Styles jaw-jack.  

            Karma and "Angela" are a bitch according to Drew McIntyre. He is headed into a match against Baron Corbin. Drew dominates as Jimder, Veer and Shanky look on from the backstage area. After the commercial break, Corbin is in control. He gets in a couple of good shots until a headbutt turns things in McIntyre's favor. The match ends with a Claymore kick from a sympathetic Drew McIntyre. 

            Ricochet and Sheamus are up next. Ricochet is sporting new ring gear. Frankly, I miss him in simple black pants. This is a great storyline. Ricochet is a high flyer and Sheamus is nothing but power. The United States Champion picks up the win with a Brogue kick. Damien Priest stops the celebration of Sheamus when he enters the ring. I cannot wait for these two go at it for the gold. Priest will be the next United States champ. Until then, it will Priest verses John Morrison....again.

            I am personally over this feud and all the Drip Sticks. After Damien wins, once again, he goes after The Miz who miraculously stands up from his wheelchair and hightails it out of the arena. On the mic, Priest calls out Sheamus and challenges him to a match at SummerSlam. The champ accepts. Now we're talking. 

            A little break in the physical action with the appearance of MVP and Bobby Lashley. A lot of chest thumping, as expected, by the champ and his hype man. I am just ready for SummerSlam. Although I do not foresee Goldberg winning, it will none the less be a great match. Three days and counting.

            The women are up next. Rhea Ripley is squaring up against Nikki Cross. Yes, I am still referring to the champ by her former name. While I am a fan of Nikki, I am not a fan of her character's evolution and I refuse to drink the Kool-Aid. I like both women and, therefore, I am rooting for a great match.

            The champ enters the fight with her ribs taped. That is the bullseye that Rhea focused on during the match with vicious kicks and shoulder tackles. One sided affair for most of the bout until Nikki hits a DDT on Ripley. Cross was going for the win until Charlotte Flair interferes and the ref has no choice but to call for the bell. 

            Before we get to Randy Orton v. AJ Styles, a short promo has Elias burning his guitar in an outdoor fire. "WWE stood for Walk with Elias but Elias is dead." Curious as to how Jeffrey Sciullo returns to action.

            Orton makes an impressive return to the ring. Both superstars gave everything they have in their arsenal. Despite the ominous distraction of Omos on the outside and an appearance by Matt Riddle, Orton hits the RKO and picks up the win. It was looking like RK-Bro was a team again as the two men were hugging it out in the ring. But Randy executes the RKO on Matt. Sorry Bro.

As Pat McAfee would say, we're three sleeps away from SummerSlam 2021.

#BringBackBraun 

               

SmackDown 8-6-21

            Sasha Banks kicks off SmackDown live in Tampa, Florida. Her speech about Bianca being nothing without her is short lived. Belair comes out to set the record straight. The EST of WWE has been "shining and representing" in Banks' four month absence. Their conversation would lead to a match at SummerSlam. But tonight, Bianca Belair will follow through on her promise and will fight Zelina "Red Rooster" Vega tonight in a championship match. I predict Vega's losing streak will continue. Why did WWE bring her back?

        

            The first match of the evening will be between Dominik Mysterio and Jey Uso. Traditional shoulder and collar lock up to begin the match. Dominik continues to impress with his in ring skills against veteran superstars. Just like the Usos, wrestling is in his bloodline. Each competitor returned the favor of move for move. Towards the end of the match, Dominik hits the 619 and was going for the frog splash, setting himself up for the win. However, Jey catches him with a super kick followed by a splash off the top rope and picks up the win.

 

    

            King Nakamura is up next and that can only mean one thing - Pat McAfee is out of his seat and jamming wildly at the announce table. Nakamura squares up against Apollo Crews in an Intercontinental Championship contenders match. What I really want to see is Rick Boogs going up against Commander Azeez. Until then, Crews comes to the ring via an improved entrance background.  The match ends in a disqualification when Azeez gets involved. 

            Now, it's time for one half of the Women's Tag Team holders, Tamina to face Teagan Nox. Power advantage definitely goes to Tamina while Nox has quickness working in her favor. Tamina goes for a Samoan drop but a distraction from Shotzi via a Nerf missile allows for Teagan to pick up an upset win.  

            It's take two for the Rated R Superstar as he makes his way to the ring to address his beef with Seth Rollins. I've noticed that ever since live crowds have returned, Edge will scream "Give it to me!" in an effort to hype up the WWE Universe. Let's just hope he doesn't speak to Beth that way when he's feeling amorous. Anyway, Edge is in the ring addressing the physically absent Rollins. But that didn't stop Seth from responding. He appears on the big screen via satellite to have his two cents heard. After some jaw-jacking, he accepts Edge's challenge to meet for the first time ever at SummerSlam. 

            It's raining red Solo cups and that can only mean one thing - The Street Profits are here! They take on Dolph Zigler and Robert Roode. Montez Ford starts against Robert Roode. This is Ford's first match since his surgery earlier this summer. The Dirty Dawgz execute classic tag team action by cutting the ring in half and tagging in frequently. Despite their efforts, Ford is able to tag in Dawkins. One more tag and it's the finish that all of WWE waits to see. Montez hits his signature, high flying frog splash and picks up the win. The Street Profits are back and they want the smoke!

            Now it's time for Belair to mark her 117th day as champ by defending the gold against Zelina Vega. I don't know about anyone else, but it is obvious to me that Belair will continue to retain her title. Half way through the match, the music of Sasha Banks hits and the former champ makes her way down the ring. The blued haired distraction would not be enough of an assist for Zelina to pick up the win. Belair retains with her signature K.O.D.

            The final segment of the evening has Finn Balor seeking retribution against Baron Corbin. Balor is rightfully upset that Corbin cost him his title opportunity at SummerSlam against Roman Reigns.  The Prince comes out of the gate hot and relentlessly attacks his opponent. And with a Coup de Grace, Balor picks up the win and gets right on the mic. However, the Tribal Chief and current Universal Champion, halts the monologue. Verbally assaulted, Finn responds by shoving the champ out of the ring. Just when you think Reigns is going to get back into the ring, Balor is ambushed by the Usos. Finn handles the twin cousins of Roman. The champ makes his way down the ramp to take on the prince mano y mano. The Usos reemerge to aid the Head of the Table. Finn Balor is on now on his back compliments of the Bloodline  

#BringBackBraun 

NXT 8-3-21

            Hit Row opens the show. I was over this posse the moment they debuted. Of the four, I am currently only interested in welcoming the day when AJ Francis goes solo. Until then, it will be Legado Del Fantasma verses AJ Francis and Ashanti Adonis. I only mentally tuned into the match when Francis was in action. He handled Wilde like he was a garbage bag full of shredded paper. But just as AJ was going for the finishing touch before the pin, Santos Escobar hits him in the back with a steel chair. Ref has no choice but to call for the bell. Brutal chaos continues but who really came out on top? Escobar leaves the ring with Isaiah "Swerve" Scott's gold grill but Hit Row stands tall in the ring. 

            

            Another one of my favorites is back in the ring. For the first time since becoming a butler, Cameron Grimes will be teaming with his employer LA Knight. They go up against the Grizzled Young Veterans. Trevor is forced to wrestle first in his uniform. Beth Phoenix said it best when she commented that Grimes is making lemonade out of lemons. At one point, Cameron goes to tag in his partner who abandons him by jumping off the apron. That's when the butler's gloves and coat come off. Cameron Grimes takes on the GYV by himself and tries to take it TO THE MOON. Yeah, sadly the veterans pick up the win over the athlete who should have won the million dollar belt. Once again, Grimes' fairy godfather comes to the ring encouraging him to find a way out of the situation he is currently in. 

        

            "As long as I have your back, you will always be champion,". That was the harbinger statement from Dakota Kai to Raquel Gonzalez. Kai goes on with a semi decent promo. Forget the words. Somebody, anybody, take the gold from Gonzalez.

        

            The NXT BreakOut Tournament continues with Trey Baxter and Joe Gacy. I watched Baxter go up against Kushida earlier this summer in stunning fashion. He is the one to watch in this bout. I am rooting for Trey all the way. It's not going to be an easy win for the younger athlete. Gacy is a fifteen year veteran with the power and size advantage. The high flying, rebounding nature of Baxter gave him the determination he needed to advance to the semi finals. He is now set to square up against Odyssey Jones. Trey Baxter is an athlete in the vein of AJ Styles and Ricochet. In the final round, I am hoping for Duke Hudson v. Trey Baxter.

    

            Now it is time for the Love Her or Lose Her match between Johnny Gargano and Dexter Lumis. I am rooting for Dexter all the way because he is a man of little words and much action. Gargano, on the other hand, is like an intrusive mother in law who can't mind her own business. Indi Hartwell makes her way to the ring as the crowd is chanting "Index!". Despite Johnny picking up the win over Dexter, love would prevail. Indi runs down the ramp into the ring and starts kissing Lumis. Index is now official.

#BringBackBraun